Principal Investigators: Dana K. Sackett, D. Derek Aday, James A. Rice, W. Gregory Cope

Project Abstract:   Recent implementation of statewide consumption advisory for large mouth bass has highlighted the importance of understanding mercury contamination and bioaccumulation in state waterbodies and fish resources.  Because of the increases in atmospheric releases, long biological half-life, and ease of transport, mercury contamination of aquatic systems is now a global concern. No less so in North Carolina, concerns about mercury contamination and bioaccumulation in fish tissue have led to restrictions for more than just largemouth bass; consumption advisories are in place for numerous species and systems throughout the state.   However, establishment of these policies is hampered by inadequate data for many species and locations as well as high variability in existing datasets. The goal of this investigation is to synthesize and analyze existing datasets to provide current policy makers, natural resource managers, and scientists with three valuable outcomes: 1) a current comprehensive database for waterbodies throughout the state that links fish contamination data with information on relevant biological, environmental and water quality variables; 2) a statistical and GIS-based analysis of these data that elucidates patterns and processes associated with mercury contamination and bioaccumulation; and 3) a clarification of data gaps and needs for future sample collections and monitoring.  In addition, to the extent available data will allow, we will develop a preliminary predictive model for fish-mercury risk assessment in state waterbodies.  A thorough synthesis of existing data with recommendations for additional sampling collections will make future policies more robust, and predictive models will help management decisions transition from reactive to proactive.